Nearly 200,000 tickets racking millions in fines have been issued since the cameras were introduced in 1998.

Filner says the cameras bred disrespect for the law because many people felt the program was just making money for the city and wasn't improving safety. However, bicycle and pedestrian groups counter that the cameras have shown to improve traffic safety.

San Diego joins a growing list of Southern California cities that have ended their red light programs, including Los Angeles and Pasadena.